How to treat subcutaneous ticks in a Yorkshire terrier? - briefly
The tick must be surgically removed by a veterinarian, then a systemic acaricide (e.g., ivermectin) should be administered, with antibiotics added if secondary infection is suspected.
How to treat subcutaneous ticks in a Yorkshire terrier? - in detail
Subcutaneous tick infestations in small‑breed dogs require prompt, systematic care to prevent tissue damage, infection, and systemic illness. The following protocol outlines assessment, removal, medication, and follow‑up for a Yorkshire terrier.
First, confirm the presence of a tick beneath the skin. Typical signs include a localized swelling, a firm nodule, occasional redness, and the dog’s discomfort when the area is palpated. Occasionally, the tick may be partially visible through the skin, appearing as a small, dark spot.
Diagnostic steps
- Perform a thorough physical examination, focusing on the neck, head, ears, and limbs where ticks often embed.
- If the nodule is ambiguous, use a fine‑needle aspiration to obtain fluid for cytology, ruling out abscess or neoplasm.
- Conduct a rapid tick‑borne disease test (e.g., for Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Babesia) if systemic signs such as fever, lethargy, or loss of appetite are present.
Removal procedure
- Prepare the site with a 70 % isopropyl‑alcohol swab to reduce bacterial load.
- Apply a topical anesthetic (e.g., lidocaine gel) to minimize pain.
- Using fine‑point tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal tool, grasp the tick’s mouthparts as close to the skin as possible.
- Apply steady, gentle traction to extract the entire organism without crushing the body. If resistance occurs, administer a short‑acting muscle relaxant (e.g., diazepam) under veterinary supervision.
- After extraction, clean the wound with sterile saline and apply a topical antiseptic (e.g., chlorhexidine solution).
Medical management
- Antibiotic therapy: Initiate a broad‑spectrum agent such as amoxicillin‑clavulanate (20 mg/kg PO BID) for 7‑10 days to prevent secondary bacterial infection.
- Anti‑inflammatory medication: Administer a non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drug (e.g., carprofen 2 mg/kg PO q24h) for 3‑5 days to reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Tick‑preventive regimen: Start a monthly ectoparasite product (e.g., afoxolaner, sarolaner) to avoid future infestations.
- Vaccination update: Verify that the dog’s core vaccines are current, as tick‑borne pathogens can exploit immunocompromised states.
Monitoring and aftercare
- Re‑examine the site after 48 hours. Look for signs of persistent inflammation, discharge, or wound dehiscence.
- Perform a follow‑up blood panel (CBC, chemistry) at the end of the antibiotic course to ensure no subclinical infection.
- Advise the owner to restrict outdoor activity in heavily infested areas for two weeks, and to perform daily tick checks during walks.
By adhering to this comprehensive approach—accurate diagnosis, careful extraction, targeted pharmacotherapy, and diligent follow‑up—a Yorkshire terrier can recover fully while minimizing the risk of complications associated with hidden tick infestations.